Address

Location and Approach

Shadvala is located in the temple village Narve (Naroa), near the famous Saptakotishvara Temple (SkT), which is approximately one kilometer eastward on the same road. While approaching us, it is best to ask for SkT, as this is a well known place.

From Bicholim, take the road to Mayem Lake, drive along it and then take the uphill road towards Narve (6 Km). From Panjim, the shortest way is to cross the Mandovi River with Ribander ferry and come to Chorao. From here you have to drive about 10 Km towards Narve (or SkT). From Mapusa, the shortest way (19 Km) is to take the Bastora road, cross the Corjuem ferry and drive towards SkT. If you come via Aldona, you need not take the ferry (26 Km). You can also take the direct road to Bicholim via Thivim (34 Km) if you want to avoid the ferry. From Old Goa, the shortest way is via Divar Island. The distance is about 7 Km but you have to take the ferry twice.

The word Shadvala (Śādvala) means meadow in Sanskrit. In poetry it is oft described as a place of natural attraction for deer. The motivation for this name comes from a Sanskrit verse in which the poet exhorts us to stretch our hearts (like deer) towards the meadow of sanskrit-learning.